Watching Dune: Prophecy was one of the trippiest experiences I’ve had in a while. As a fan of The Matrix and The Animatrix, I couldn’t help but notice parallels that made me grin.
One or two concepts with machines felt like a post-Matrix universe where humanity had somehow won. Looking beyond that, the film does a lot to expand the foundation of the universe Denis Villeneuve introduced in his Dune films, but this time we’re going way back 10,000 years before the events of the movies.
The original Dune universe from Frank Herbert’s books is incredibly complex and brilliant but with this show, I like the fact they were able to come up with a digestible story for the ordinary viewer. How? You may be asking.
Well, think power, betrayal, politics and destiny, basically a formula that we have seen in a lot of modern shows like... yes, you guessed it Game of Thrones. So does this work for someone just looking for a good show to bury their time in?
Disclaimer
My review is based on the first four episodes of this six-episode show.
This is a Max original show, in Kenya/Africa it’s streaming on Showmax and is available on Max and HBO globally.
Visually, the show is shot really well with some really good composition and they are not trying to copy Villeneuve’s films. The landscapes and cityscapes are, for the lack of a better word, cool, but I appreciated the intimate, grounded settings when the story focuses on the characters. The palaces and spaceships also align with the Dune universe.
The cinematography, specifically lighting and shadow, makes for a visually pleasing picture and helps amplify some intense moments.
The cinematography plus well-thought-through and creative set designs and story ideas just make this a good sci-fi experience.
Performances
Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen is great. A lot of events happen around her, especially during the earlier episodes.
The rest of the actors plus distinct and character-focused outfits and costumes I thought did a great job across the board. Jessica Barton, Travis Fimmel, and Mark Strong all bring something unique to their roles. You can feel the weight of their characters’ decisions even when they’re not spelling everything out for you.
Sound
Ask any cinephile when they think Dune there's one sound that immediately comes to mind. The music in the show doesn’t try to mimic the Dune films’ iconic soundtrack. Instead, it carves out its own identity, like the story and premise in general,it tries to do its own thing with a soundtrack and sound design though there are one or two familiar sounds.
World-building
By focusing on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, we get a different look at one of the most intriguing factions in the Dune universe. There are familiar concepts; think spice, blue eyes, and just a bit of sandworm not sandworms, the show presents the same universe but the intrigue is the dynamic characters, the politics and the mind games.
Yes, If you’re new to Dune, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But the showrunners understood this and they have structured the show in a really approachable and digestible way.
I mean the political and people drama, the betrayals, the alliance and power struggle, the twists from the word go, if you have watched any dramatic TV show between 2005 and now is familiar, which makes the production accessible.
What I liked is all that intrigue doesn’t feel forced, the story flows naturally allowing you to easily follow the characters and just marvel at how dynamic and broad the world is.
Shortcomings
While Dune: Prophecy offers a rich world, it does have its shortcomings. The pacing is uneven, with some episodes dragging on while others rush through key moments, making it a bit hard to stay engaged.
The overwhelming lore can be a challenge for a few newcomers. Some character motivations feel unclear, leaving you unsure of why certain decisions are made.
There's a noticeable lack of action (but this is the first for four episode out of six), which might disappoint those are coming in looking for action.
While the Bene Gesserit and other factions are intriguing, they don't always get the screen time they deserve. Overall, the show leans too heavily on political intrigue, which can feel like a slow burn without enough payoff for those less invested in the details of power struggles.
Final thoughts
Dune: Prophecy has more to offer than just being a prequel to two of the greatest sci-fi movies of this decade.
The performances, visuals, and complex political drama all come together to create something familiar but different. It’s not perfect, especially for newcomers and the exposition while necessary in some episodes doesn’t help but it’s an accessible show that sticks with you and keeps you engaged for the majority part.
